MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
One of the world's leading research institutes, our scientists are working to advance understanding of biological processes at the molecular level - providing the knowledge needed to solve key problems in human health.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic, life-threatening inflammatory autoimmune disease that can cause debilitating fatigue, painful and swollen joints, fever, skin rash, and kidney problems. The disease can also lead to arthritis, kidney failure, heart and lung inflammation, central nervous system abnormalities, inflammation of the blood vessels, and blood disorders. Approximately five million people worldwide suffer from various forms of lupus, the majority of whom are women.
In the Prefatory Article for this year’s Annual Review of Biochemistry, Sir Aaron Klug describes his extraordinary life and scientific achievements. The Prefatory Article honours one scientist each year by publishing an autobiography detailing their life’s work. This year, it called attention to Aaron’s incredibly varied and productive career.
The inaugural Louis-Jeantet Foundation Young Investigator Career Awardee was chosen from holders of the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Independent Research Grants. Jason was awarded an ERC grant in 2007, when the success rate was 3.2 percent. The Young Investigator Award consists of CHF 425 000 to fund a three to five year research project.
This award will allow Jason to extend his pioneering work on reprogramming the genetic code into new areas.
Dr David Komander from LMB’s PNAC Division has received a prestigious European award. He has been elected into the EMBO Young Investigator Programme for three-years, starting on 1 January 2011.
The programme identifies some of the brightest young researchers in Europe, providing academic, practical and financial support. David will join a vibrant network of 200 Young Investigators from all over Europe.
David’s research looks at specificity in the ubiquitin system.
Four LMB Group Leaders have recently been awarded prestigious 5 year grants from the European Research Council (ERC).
ERC grants are given for pioneering frontier research in any field of science, engineering and scholarship. The ERC’s main aim is to stimulate scientific excellence by supporting and encouraging the very best, truly creative scientists.
Dr Lori Passmore from the LMB’s Structural Studies Division has been awarded a €1.
The LMB has been invited to exhibit 18 pieces of work from the “Imagining the Brain” initiative at an art/science collaborative project exploring mental health problems, from a variety of perspectives, including those suffering and those researching solutions. “Inside the Unquiet Mind” is a multi-sensory multi-media arts installation with musical performances and presentations from Cambridge Neuroscience, as part of the Cambridge Festival of Ideas.